When summer rolls around, we crave bold, fresh flavors that don’t keep us in the kitchen for hours. Enter: Bruschetta Burgers. This recipe is a twist on the Italian classic—think grilled, cheesy artisan bread topped with a perfectly seasoned burger and a bright cherry tomato and basil topping. It’s rustic, hearty, and full of flavor. Perfect for backyard barbecues, easy weeknight dinners, or impressing your guests with minimal effort.
It’s no secret that grocery costs are running wild these days. We all still want delicious meals, but meal planning can sometimes cost more than you intend. For instance, your meal plan calls for tacos al pastor, but pork tenderloin is up to $8 a pound, or pineapple is out of season and costs $6–$7 each. Do you stick to the meal plan, buying things that are out of season and not on sale? Or do you pivot—grabbing petite sirloin steaks at $4.99 per pound and a peach that’s in season for 99 cents per pound?
I say: have a loose plan and let the perimeter of the grocery store do the heavy lifting. Save money by ditching the rigid meal plan and shopping for what’s in season and on sale!
Right when you walk into any store, you’ll see the deals. All the deeply in-season or discounted produce is usually right up front. I write “fruit” on my list instead of “apples and strawberries” because I want to see what’s on sale. I try to avoid out-of-season produce—it’s expensive and doesn’t taste great.
Next, I head to the meat department. I scan what’s on sale and think about how I can use it. Today, I found an incredible deal on beef at $2.77 a pound. I bought three pounds—perfect! My family averages 1½ to 2 pounds of meat per dinner because my boys are growing! I also found a great deal on petite sirloins: buy one, get one free. I’ll be enjoying those on the grill later this week.
I’ve noticed there’s usually one cut per protein on sale each week. One week it’s hamburger, the next it’s ribeyes. Just keep an eye out for what looks good.
Final tip: I try to buy organic produce whenever I can. Find your store’s organic section and check the pricing. Last week at WinCo, broccoli crowns were $2.79 a pound, but in the organic section, they were on sale for $1.99 a pound.
If you can apply some of these shopping techniques and pay close attention in the store, you may not have to cut your favorite items from the menu to save money—and that’s just smart. Good luck!
How to Make Bruschetta Burgers
To make Bruschetta Burgers, start by preheating your grill to 350°F. While the grill heats up, form 1½ pounds of 80/20 ground beef into 4 to 6 oval-shaped patties, slightly larger than your bread slices so the burger fully covers the base. Set them aside. In a medium mixing bowl, combine one 16-ounce container of sliced cherry tomatoes, one minced clove of fresh garlic, and ½ cup of thinly sliced fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then gently toss the mixture with ¼ cup of olive oil and let it marinate while you grill.
Next, brush four thick slices of artisan bread lightly with olive oil. Place the patties on the grill and cook until juices begin to pool on the top—this is your cue to flip them. About a minute before flipping the burgers, lay the oiled bread slices on the grill. Grill the bread for about three minutes, then flip it and top each slice with a couple of tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese. Continue grilling until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden and crisp, taking care not to let it burn. When the burgers are fully cooked to your liking, remove everything from the grill.
To assemble, place each burger patty on a slice of the grilled, cheesy bread. Spoon several generous tablespoons of the tomato-basil mixture on top. Serve immediately for a fresh, satisfying twist on classic burgers that captures the best of summer flavors.
Make It a Meal: Perfect Pairings for Bruschetta Burgers
Turn these burgers into a full, unforgettable meal with simple, fresh sides and drinks that match their vibrant, Italian-inspired flavor. Here are a few ideas:
- Side Ideas
- Grilled Corn with Basil Butter – Sweet corn brushed with herbed butter for a seasonal, summery touch.
- Caprese Pasta Salad – Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and basil tossed with balsamic vinaigrette and pasta.
- Garlic-Parmesan Zucchini Fries – A crispy, low-carb twist on fries with loads of flavor.
- Drink Pairings
- Lemon-Basil Sparkler – A refreshing non-alcoholic option with sparkling water, fresh lemon juice, and basil.
- Crisp Rosé or Pinot Grigio – Light, fruit-forward wines that balance the richness of the beef and cheese.
- Italian Soda Bar – Let guests mix their own with flavored syrups, soda water, and a splash of cream.
These simple additions bring out the best in your Bruschetta Burgers and make any dinner feel like a special occasion—without the stress.
More Recipes from Rustic Joyful Food
If you loved this Bruschetta Burgers recipe, you’ll love any of these equally delicious options!
- Romesco & Mozzarella Lamb Burgers
- Jalepeno Cheddar Burgers
- Crispy Shallot & Caper Salmon Burgers With Caper & Dill Aioli
Purchase Books by Danielle Kartes of Rustic Joyful Food from these booksellers:
Bruschetta Burgers
Equipment
- Grill or grill pan
- Mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Cutting Board
- Grater (if shredding cheese yourself)
- Tongs or spatula
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground 80/20 beef
- 4 thick slices artisan bread
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1 16-ounce container cherry tomatoes (about 2 cups)
- 1 large clove fresh garlic minced
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to 350°F. Form the ground beef into 4–6 oval patties, slightly larger than your bread slices to ensure full coverage. Set aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sliced tomatoes, minced garlic, basil, salt, and pepper. Gently mix, then drizzle with ¼ cup olive oil and toss to coat. Set aside to marinate while the burgers cook.
- Brush the bread slices lightly with olive oil.
- Place the patties on the grill. When juices begin to pool on the surface, flip the patties and continue cooking until fully done to your preference.
- About 1 minute before the patties are ready to flip, place the oiled bread slices on the grill. After about 3 minutes, flip the bread and sprinkle each slice with a couple tablespoons of shredded mozzarella.
- Once the burgers are fully cooked and the cheese on the bread is melted, remove both from the grill, watching closely to avoid burning.
- To assemble the bruschetta burgers, place each burger on top of the grilled cheesy bread and top with several generous spoonfuls of the tomato-basil mixture.